Loyalty program
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan: how to earn and redeem
Mileage Plan is Alaska Airlines's loyalty program — members earn miles on flights and credit card spend, then redeem them for future travel. The best use of your miles is Emirates first class (one of the best partner deals remaining). Miles expire after 24 months of inactivity.
How to earn Mileage Plan miles
| Earn type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Base earn on Alaska Airlines flights | 3–10 miles per dollar on Alaska flights depending on fare class |
| Elite member bonus | Elite members earn more — see tier benefits below |
| Co-branded credit card | Fastest way to accumulate miles quickly — earn on everyday purchases |
Elite tiers and benefits
Tiers: MVP → MVP Gold → MVP Gold 75K
Key benefits: Companion fare annually, free upgrades (MVP Gold+), bonus miles (50–100%), free checked bags, lounge access (Gold 75K)
Best uses for Mileage Plan miles
- 1Emirates first class (one of the best partner deals remaining)
- 2Cathay Pacific first/business class
- 3Annual companion fare for elite cardholders
Values fluctuate with dynamic pricing; these represent strong redemption opportunities rather than guaranteed fixed rates.
Partner airlines
Earn and redeem Mileage Plan miles on these partner airlines: Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, British Airways, Japan Airlines. Partner award availability and rates vary — check the Mileage Plan award chart before planning a partner redemption.
Mileage Plan expiration policy
Miles expire after 24 months of inactivity.
Tip: Any account activity — a flight, hotel booking through the portal, or credit card purchase — typically resets your expiration clock.
Sign-up bonus & credit card
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature: 50,000–70,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 90 days + companion fare (offer varies).
Offers change frequently — always check Alaska Airlines's website or the card issuer for the current sign-up bonus before applying.
Do Mileage Plan miles expire?
Miles expire after 24 months of inactivity. Any qualifying account activity — including flying, hotel bookings through the portal, or credit card purchases — typically resets the inactivity clock.
What is the best use of Mileage Plan miles?
Emirates first class (one of the best partner deals remaining). Cathay Pacific first/business class. Annual companion fare for elite cardholders. Award values fluctuate with dynamic pricing, so these represent strong opportunities rather than guaranteed fixed rates.
How do I earn more Mileage Plan miles?
The base rate is: 3–10 miles per dollar on Alaska flights depending on fare class. Elite members earn significantly more — MVP Gold 75K status holders earn the highest bonus. The fastest shortcut is a co-branded credit card: Alaska Airlines Visa Signature: 50,000–70,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 90 days + companion fare (offer varies).
Can I use Mileage Plan on partner airlines?
Yes — Mileage Plan miles can be earned and redeemed on partner airlines including Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, British Airways, Japan Airlines. Award rates on partners vary; check the Mileage Plan website for current partner redemption charts.
More Alaska Airlines guides
Program data verified . Earn rates, redemption values, and sign-up bonuses are subject to change — confirm details at Alaska Airlines's official Mileage Plan website before booking.